North Carolina Drivers License Appointment Details

In this article we will talk about what to expect during a North Carolina drivers license appointment for individuals over the age of 18. In North Carolina, it is important to remember that adults over the age of 18 have the option to take the written test and their road test on the same day; thus, if all goes well, you can obtain your drivers license that very same day.

What to do when you arrive:

Whether you have an appointment or you are using the designated Saturday walk-in day, the first thing you should do is walk up to the front counter. Explain to the attendance what services you are there to undertake.

Licensing, road tests, car registrations, license plates and other services have separate lines. In most cases, the attendant will give you a number corresponding to the service you are there to receive; your number will also have a corresponding letter at the beginning, this letter designates the type of service, and the numbers represent your place in line for that particular service. (Ex. C315 designates you are there to take either a road test or a written test, the number 315 is your place in line. Keep a good track on the available monitors throughout the office, so as to not miss your place when it is called.

The attendant will also ask for primary identification documents. Please read the requirements for identification documents in North Carolina. Usually, you will need two forms of identification, a license or photo ID from another state, a birth certificate, and or Social Security number. You will need proof of address; utility bills, leases or mortgage documents will suffice. The attendant will prepare all accepted the documents into a folder and hand them back to you. You will only need these documents for the next phases, even if you have brought others with you.

Vision & Road Sign Test

Your first requirement is your vision and road sign test. When your number is called, the monitor will direct you to a corresponding station. Walk over to your designated station, and meet with one of the driving officials for your vision test. Hand them over the required documents prepared by the attendant at the front desk. Your information will be entered into the system, you will be asked a few questions regarding your age, whether or not you want to be an organ donor, and whether or not you are registered to vote or want to register.

On the desk will be vision test equipment. You will be asked to place your face on the vision equipment and look into the lens. Read the lines of text required by your instructor, and when given a signal, proceed to read the road signs below them and explain what they mean. If you pass, you will be given a piece of paper with a designated record number, this record number will become your license number in the future. You will be directed toward a separate section of the office where you can take your written test on an assigned computer.

Written Test

In North Carolina, you must pass your written test with at least an 80. There will be 25 questions on the exam, all of which will be multiple-choice questions. You are allowed six wrong answers before the computer fails you. You will also be allowed to skip certain questions and go back to them. However, if you answer 20 questions correctly, you will not be required to finish the other five; the computer will simply pass you with an automatic 80%. You may use the provided headphones to listen to the test questions as well.

After passing your written test, the computer will tell you to go back to the front counter. Do so and tell the attendant that you have passed your test, and await further instructions.

Road Test

After you have passed your written test, it is time for your road test. In North Carolina, you can take it the same day. Proceed to the line for road tests and keep your place. An instructor will meet with you when it is your turn and walk with you out to your car. The instructor will stand behind your car and ask you to perform various actions such as pressing on the brakes, turn on the ignition, turning on your lights; they do this to see if your car is in proper working order.

After your car is deemed fit to continue with a road test, your instructor will accompany you and direct you on where to make your turns and what to do. If you pass, you will drive back to the office and be given a temporary license. A permanent one will come in the mail.

Be sure to bring the correct amount with you for your license. Offices in North Carolina take cash, check, or money order.